Passionate Pavlovas: National Desserts from A to Z

From the Caesar salad to Fettucini Alfredo, we're surrounded by dishes named for famous figures in history. But how many can claim to be the national dessert of not one, but two countries? This week, we're taking a look at the origins and history of the Pavlova, named for one of the world's first ballerina superstars. Famous for making the Russian ballet popular on the international stage, Anna Pavlova inspired devoted fans from Argentina to India to Japan. But how did her name end up attached to a meringue-based dessert? And why are New Zealand and Australia still fighting over who invented it ? We'll talk to Australia's Dr. Diana Jeske and New Zealand's Professor Helen Leach, author of "The Pavlova Story: A Slice of New Zealand's Culinary History" as they discuss their respective country's claim to this classic dessert. Learn the fascinating twists and turns this national dessert has taken in the last 100 years and what the Pavlova of the future might look like! 

Written and produced by Laura Carlson

Technical Direction by Mike Portt

Editing Assistance by Lynne Provencher

For more information and show notes please visit www.thefeastpodcast.org

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